Platte County Sheriff Honored

On June 9, Platte County Sheriff Mark Owen was presented with the Mid-America Regional Council’s 2017 Regional Leadership Award.

According to MARC, Sheriff Owen was chosen for the honor because he has been a key force in building the region’s exceptional emergency response capabilities. Sheriff Owen, who has spent almost 40 years in law enforcement and emergency management, currently chairs the Public Safety Communications Board that oversees the region’s 911 system and interoperable communications.

Each year, MARC honors individuals and organizations for their leadership and excellence in advocating regional concepts; advancing the vision of the region as a community of excellence; applying innovative solutions to regional problems; and achieving improved quality of life and equitable opportunity for the region’s citizens.

MARC is a nonprofit association of city and county governments and the metropolitan planning organization for the bi-state Kansas City region. Governed by a board of directors made up of local elected officials, MARC serves nine counties and 119 cities. The organization provides a forum for the region to work together to advance social, economic and environmental progress.

MARC is funded by federal, state and private grants, local contributions and earned income. A major portion of its budget is passed through to local governments and other agencies for programs and services.